Chiang Rai
– The Heart of Thailand’s Finest Tea
ChaTraMue collaborates with local tea growers rather than relying solely on their own plantations. Partnerships ensure a steady, sustainable supply of high-quality leaves while supporting the local economy.
ChaTraMue sources handpicked, premium-quality tea leaves from Wiang Pa Pao, Chiang Rai and surrounding highland areas from northern of Thailand. Through close collaboration with trusted local farmers and rigorous selection standards, each batch consistently delivers the brand’s signature flavor and aroma
​Cool Highland Climate – Misty and fresh mountain air create the perfect rhythm for tea cultivation.
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Fertile Mountain Soil – Mineral-rich, well-drained earth nurtures tea leaves with depth and character.
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Pristine Nature – Pure streams and untouched forests ensure natural, clean-growing conditions.
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Generations of Craft – Local farmers blend traditional wisdom with modern techniques.
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OUR STORY
The third brother of the family led his eight siblings from Chaozhou, China, to settle in Thailand.
1920
The third brother, Sa Pae, established a Chinese tea shop called Lim Meng Kee on Chalermburi, Yaowarat Road. The shop imported tea from China and became the starting point of the family’s tea business.
1925
​After nearly 20 years of steady growth, World War II broke out. The original shop at Chalermburi was damaged by bombing, forcing a move to Soi Padungdao, Yaowarat. The business continued with its core products of Chinese tea, oolong, and green tea, while also beginning to import red tea during this period.
WORLD WAR II
The Beginning of ChaTraMue
With Thailand’s tropical climate, hot Chinese tea was less popular among locals. To meet Thai preferences, the shop introduced red tea to create Thai Milk Tea and Thai Black Tea, both served with ice. In 1945, the name ChaTraMue was established, marking the official beginning of the brand.
1945
Originally, Thailand used tea leaves primarily for making tea leaf–wrapped appetizers. Over time, Thai people began producing their own tea, evolving into what is now known as Thai tea. Mr. Ting, the shop manager at the time, was among the first pioneers to establish a tea factory on Wawee Hill in Mae Suai district, Chiang Rai province. Named Cha Hom Factory or Aromatic Tea Factory, the facility required elephants to transport the tea machinery up the hill.
Due to the difficulties of travel and management, the Wawee Hill factory was closed. The shop manager then focused on developing a purchasing network with local tea planters. Later, as transportation improved, the current owner recognized the importance of Chiang Rai and its surrounding areas, rich in tea production. In 1989, a new factory was established in Wiang Pa Pao district, Chiang Rai, named Siam Tea Factory, which is now registered as Cha Thai International Company Limited.
1945- 1965
1965- 1989
From Lim Meng Kee tea shop to Cha Thai International Company Limited, we have over 80 years of experience crafting Thai tea. As the most popular Thai tea brand, we create unique recipes and carefully manage every step of production to ensure high-quality tea loved by both Thai people and international customers. We continue to innovate with new products such as green tea, milk green tea, rose tea, and more to meet the growing demand for tea. To build consumer confidence, our factories adhere to strict standards including GMP Codex and Halal certification, and we remain committed to maintaining the highest quality without compromise. Our goal is to produce all kinds of tea with rich, aromatic flavours that consumers can trust, all at a reasonable price.
FROM THE PAST TO THE PRESENT OF CHATRAMUE
